Solar farm 'will be able to power leisure centres'

The Rawcliffe Bridge Solar Farm will generate six megawatts (MW) of electricity

A solar farm will produce enough electricity to power a county's leisure centres, a local authority has said.

Work has started on the the Rawcliffe Bridge Solar Farm, which is owned and managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

According to the authority, it will be capable of generating six megawatts (MW) of electricity – the amount needed to power the 11 council-run leisure centres.

Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for the environment, said the project would "play a key role in fulfilling our environmental obligations" in "a cost-effective manner".

The scheme would provide fuel security, help protect against sudden rises in energy prices and contribute to a net-zero target in 2050, the council added.

As part of the project, a wildflower meadow and hedges are due to be planted to improve biodiversity in the region. A beehive is also being considered, while sheep could be used to keep down weeds.

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